🇯🇵 How to say

“train” in Japanese

電車でんしゃ
Illustration of "train" in a Japanese cultural setting
A sleek blue electric train glides along elevated tracks above a bustling Tokyo street, its windows glowing warmly as commuters inside read or gaze at the city lights. Schoolchildren in uniforms chat excitedly on their way home from afternoon clubs.

Usage note

電車 specifically refers to electric trains, which are the most common type in Japan's cities—different from diesel trains or long-distance bullet trains. It's a daily-life word you'll use constantly for commuting or city travel.

Examples

  • 電車で学校に行きます。

    I go to school by train.

  • 次の電車は何時ですか？

    What time is the next train?

  • この電車は渋谷に行きますか？

    Does this train go to Shibuya?

Quick check

What does "電車" mean?

  • A. train
  • B. time
  • C. town
  • D. pen

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